By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - UN relief chief Martin Griffiths voiced concern Friday about the affect of escalating unrest in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and other major cities.
"Deeply concerned about the escalating unrest in Haiti," Griffiths wrote on X.
His remarks came one day after Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry urged calm as violent protests erupted across the country to demand he step down.
In recent days, outbreaks of deadly violence amid demonstrations have caused major disruptions to humanitarian operations.
"Over 1,100 people killed or injured since January. More than 1,000 schools temporarily shut. Food prices up 25%. Humanitarian operations disrupted. The children, women and men of Haiti deserve to live in peace," said Griffiths.
Haiti has been immersed for years in a political, economic and social crisis amid a spiral of violence at the hands of armed gangs that terrorize the population with killings, kidnappings, rapes and attacks.
The situation in Haiti prompted the UN Security Council last October to approve sending a multinational security support mission led by Kenya.